Tag Archives: UBeat Awards

Rockers Twister are to headline the O2 Academy main stage in Newcastle this Sunday evening as Stevie Stoker and the lads take the next step on the rocky road to rock stardom.

The band, formed by Stoker near fourteen years ago, has come on leaps-and-bounds in the past few years, playing some high profile supports and selling out places like The Cavern Club in Liverpool and the O2 Academy (Stage 2).

In fact it was their last headline at Academy two, late last year, which saw the lads afforded the opportunity of the big one as Stoker, alongside bandmates Matt Whitaker, Jake Grimes and Joe Major, deciding to use the opportunity to capitalise and make it ‘The State of Mind Collection,’ full album launch.

Last time out they released the first half of the album, ‘Designed State of Mind’ in a packed out Academy when ably supported by Craig Roddam, Catalyse and Singapore Safehouse. Fast forward some seven months or so and they’re prepared to release not only the second half of the EP, ‘Refined State of Mind,’ but the complete collection, ‘Combined State of Mind.’

“We were absolutely over the moon to be able to sell-out Academy Two,” began Stevie.

“The response to the atmosphere and music on the night was great and then, to get the call from the Academy the following day asking if we’d fancy headlining the main hall, words can’t describe that.

“We’re aware as to how big a step up this is and the challenge that it presents but it’s a dream stage to play on and we’ve only been there once and that was a few years ago now (as support to Alarm).

“Playing the O2 is just surreal anyway and was packed out from start to finish, staying like that until the last song,” added Jake.

“So, already being on cloud nine with that, we get this as well. It brings back great memories for me going to gigs there as kids and the Ubeat Awards (last December when the lads collected a couple) was the perfect warm-up.

“Knowing it was Academy One from the off, we hope to sell it out, and although it could be seen as a bit of a risk, it’s now or never really. It’s the first step in the next big thing for us.”

In addition to their usual back catalogue of tracks, and the album being blasted out, Twister will also play two new tracks, opening with ‘Welcome to the State of Mind’ as well as ‘Mystery’ – which says it all really!

Supported by Sam Gibson, Offpeak, Judas, and A New Nowhere, tickets will be available for entry only, £8, on the night with VIP doors at 545pm and normal entry at 630pm.